Software engineer, feeling stuck and scared in IT, please advice seriously!
-> Used AI for restructuring and formatting, please please give it a read.
I’m B.tech. CSE (tier 2 or 2.5 college), currently around 3 years experience in backend/software engineering. Recently switched jobs and now earning 12 LPA fixed in a WFH role at a mid sized startup.
I need brutally practical advice from people.
My situation:
- 26 years old
- General category male
- New company/team seems decent, but I’m struggling mentally with imposter syndrome and transition stress, mainly due to lack of friends and comfort like prev job
- I constantly feel scared about layoffs, AI replacing dev work, etc.
Govt exams:
- Planning for IBPS, CGL, and similar govt exams
But I feel I’m stuck in the middle and not fully committed to either.
Family situation:
My father says if I truly dislike IT/stress, I can leave job and prepare full-time for govt exams. But I feel that’s risky because if govt exams don’t work out, re-entering IT after 1-2 years gap may become hard esp as i already am 26.
Current plan I’m considering:
- Continue this WFH job
- Try studying a little on weekdays + weekends
Questions:
- Am I overestimating AI/layoff risk in software engineering?
- Is leaving IT for full-time govt prep at 26 too risky?
- Is WFH + prep actually a strong position and I’m just panicking?
- If you were in my place, would you:
- Double down on tech
- Go full govt prep
- Prepare alongside job
Please give practical advice, especially from people:
- in software industry
- who switched from IT to govt
- or who regret one of these choices
I’m mentally exhausted from overthinking and want a grounded direction. Thanks!